ACU students to be greeted by new theme, 34 new faculty
as opening session kicks off 95th school year

For Immediate Release
August 22, 2000

Contact:

Tom Craig, Director of Media and
Community Relations
(915) 674-2692

As students return to Abilene Christian University for
the fall semester, two obvious changes from the previous
spring will catch their attention: a new central theme
featuring "Change the World" and 34 new faculty members.

"'Change the World' is more than a marketing theme," said
Dr. Royce Money, ACU president. "It ties directly to our
mission. We challenge students to make a positive difference
- to change the world in large ways and small."

The concept will be visibly demonstrated through new
campus signage, special focuses during Chapel and awareness
campaigns that tell stories about faculty, staff, students
and alumni who change the world in a variety of ways.

"Our mission is to educate students for Christian service
and leadership throughout the world," Money said. "We see
our students live out this mission as they build Habitat for
Humanity homes and tutor children in the community. We see
it every day as our faculty and staff volunteer thousands of
hours in the community. They change the world for so many
people."

A new "Change the World" award will be presented to
individuals or groups when they are identified by the
President's Office as catalysts for positive changes in
their world.

"'Change the World' is very interpretive," Money said.
"We want ACU people to be known for making a positive
difference in this community, in the nation and in the
global marketplace.

New faculty

The addition of 34 new faculty also is a significant
enhancement for ACU. This is the largest influx of faculty
in recent years, said Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, ACU provost.
Last fall, 28 new faculty came to campus. before that, the
number of new fall faculty generally averaged about 15.

Raye Lakey, director of faculty development and
instructional development, said the 34 new full-time faculty
members represent a 30 percent increase in faculty compared
to the previous school year.

"There is more diversity represented in this faculty
group than in any other faculty group I've worked with,"
Lakey said. "Along with cultural diversity, most of these
faculty members are new to ACU coming from as far as
Botswana and from all over this county. Some are coming from
industry and others are coming from schools such as
Harvard.

"This kind of diversity offers fantastic richness to
students and colleagues."

Opening session

ACU's Opening Session will kick off the 95th school year.
Opening Session is Monday, Aug. 28, in Moody Coliseum. It
will start at 11 a.m., and (Ret.) General Howard Graves will
speak. Graves is the chancellor of the Texas A&M System
and former superintendent of West Point.

The traditional highlight of Opening Session will be the
Parade of Flags and the Ceremony of Allegiance. More than
100 flags from across the United States and around the world
will be featured in the ceremony, representing the states
and countries of ACU students, faculty and staff.

-30-

Abilene Christian University
New Faculty Additions  Fall 2000

Dr. John Barton, professor of mathematics and
computer science

B. Cole Bennett, instructor of English

Laura Blake, instructor of English as a Second
Language

Orneita Gray Burton, instructor of management
science

Samuel L. Cook, associate professor of
music

Laurie Couch, instructor of student success
program

Margarita Decierdo, instructor of
sociology

Dr. Nick Fessler, assistant professor of
accounting and finance

Jesse E. Galvan, assistant professor of
theatre

Dr. Shirlean B. Goodwin, assistant professor
of biology

Dr. Mark W. Hamilton, assistant professor of
theology

Melissa Johnson, instructor of library
sciences

Dan McGregor, assistant professor of art

Dr. B.J. Michael, instructor of Bible,
missions and ministry and instructor of family and
consumer sciences

If you are a member of the media who would like more
information about this release, please contact Tom
Craig, director of media and community relations, at
craigt@acu.edu or call
915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469).